This is a online journal of a scoutmaster's thoughts on over 30 years as a Boy Scout Leader.

An Arrow Through The Apple

Four Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 attended a week of summer camp at Many Point Scout Camp near Pondsford, Minnesota, during the week of July 13-19, 2008. They worked on advancement during the morning hours, had various troop activities in the afternoon, and participated in open programs during the evening.

On Wednesday evening, the Melrose Boy Scouts decided to go to the archery range and test their skills. In addition to the five regular round targets found on the hay bales there would be an apple hanging from a string to further test their skills. Would the Scouts be able to hit an apple with an arrow fired from a compound bow at 30 feet? It would not be easy.

The Melrose Scouts had already proven that they were fairly proficient with the compound bow during the troop shoot the day before. The range master was impressed and told them that should be working on earning the Archery Merit Badge. A few of the boys decided to earn it next year.

The four Scouts picked up their bow, knocked an arrow, and began firing arrows at the targets, hoping their would hit an apple. The two hour session was not even half way done before Avery pierced an apple with a well placed shot. Several minutes later, Lucas accomplished the same feat. That was two apples shot in one night by two Scouts from the same troop. The range master was impressed.

As the time neared to close down the range for the evening, the last group of Scouts walked up to the firing line. Jonah became the third Scout from Troop 68 to shoot an apple as his last arrow of the evening hit the target.

Pictures were taken, congratulations were expressed, and the Scouts went back to their campsite, each with two new apples in hand to eat at their leisure. It was a good evening at the archery range, one that would be remembered for years to come.

2 Responses to “An Arrow Through The Apple”

I am just starting my “rebirth” in scouting after a thirty year abscense. My son is a Tiger Cub and I have been drafted as the Tiger leader as of last Tuesday! I really look forward to occassions such as the one you just shared!